Sustainable? Naturally...

A review of biodiversity across the 2012 programme

The report praises the work being done by the ODA to transform the Olympic Park from a relatively poor environment into a high quality park with a range of natural habitats. It sets out how this needs to continue in transformation and legacy.

The London 2012 Games will feature venues set in natural environments in and around London, as well as further afield. These will give great opportunities for people to connect with the natural environment but also presents challenges. The report covers the work LOCOG and the ODA have done and recommends that they set out how the post-Games restoration of sites will be assured and resourced.

The report commends the work of the ODA in sourcing 100% sustainable timber. It also covers how the flowers and medals can be symbols of sustainability at Games-time.

Key Findings

The ODA are committed to developing at least 45 hectares of habitat that can make a contribution to biodiversity in the boroughs surrounding the park

They have developed a Biodiversity Action Plan setting out how this will be achieved

The Olympic Park has the potential to be an excellent example of a new natural habitat developed in an urban setting

The success of this is dependent on the transformation of the park from Games-time to legacy use and then its long term management

The London 2012 Games will feature venues set in natural environments in and around London, as well as further afield

These will give great opportunities for people to connect with the natural environment whilst attending a sporting event

The ODA and LOCOG have been assessing the ecological impacts of these venues and making plans to mitigate them, along with plans for restoration of habitats after the Games where necessary

The Commission has recommended that they set out how the post-Games restoration of sites will be assured and resourced

The report commends the work of the ODA in sourcing 100% sustainable timber for the construction on the Olympic Park

This includes securing sustainability sourced Siberian Pine for the Velodrome track

LOCOG’s main challenge for timber will be to develop a system to check receipt of timber goods

The Commission has recommended that their contract management processes include effective assurance at point of delivery

LOCOG are using their sustainable sourcing code in procuring the flowers for bouquets and other displays during the Games, and medals for winning athletes

These can be symbols of sustainability at Games-time

Recommendations

That the ODA review existing procedures and controls to ensure they are suitable for managing the habitats during Park Operations and Transformation. This needs to ensure that the habitats and species present on the park are safeguarded, protected and enhanced and that the biodiversity of the park is monitored during these phases.

That the body or bodies responsible for the Olympic Park in legacy set out and implement clear plans for how the habitat will be maintained, managed and monitored to ensure that a minimum of 45 ha of SINC of at least Borough Grade 1 standard develops within the Olympic Park.

That the habitats that are developed in legacy are in line with the habitat commitments set out in the Olympic Park Biodiversity Action Plan, providing a mix of appropriate accessible, natural habitats.

That LOCOG makes clear how the process for post-Games restoration of sites will be assured and resourced following its dissolution.

That as part of developing plans to address the sustainability implications of all elements of City Operations, the GLA set out and implement clear plans for how they will ensure the ecology of all Live Sites under their control is appropriately managed and monitored, with mitigation plans developed and implemented where necessary.

That LOCOG makes better use of the Biodiversity Advisory Group, for example to promote biodiversity conservation associated with the Games.

That LOCOG contract management processes include effective assurance at point of delivery to ensure that all timber and timber products adhere to their sustainable sourcing requirements.

That LOCOG demonstrate how they will ensure that the flowers and medals can be used as symbols of sustainability at Games-time.